Dear John,

When the auto industry nearly collapsed in 2008, the United Auto Workers union sacrificed benefits so that car companies could recover.

It’s now 15 years later. Auto company profits have more than recovered and CEO salaries are soaring, but workers who are hired today make $10 an hour LESS than they did in 2007, when adjusted for inflation. Ford, Stellantis, and GM made a combined $20 billion in profits the first six months of this year alone.

The UAW’s current union contract expires on September 14, and the companies haven’t budged on workers’ demands. So last week workers voted to authorize a strike if they can’t reach an acceptable deal by the deadline.

To be clear, the UAW’s demands are simple:

• Provide workers with a 40% wage increase -- the same percentage increase that the Big Three’s CEOs have received

• Restore benefits including Cost of Living Adjustments

• Increase retiree pay and re-establish retiree medical benefits

• Eliminate two-tier wages

UAW workers are fighting hard and showing us all just how far they’re willing to go to win. Write to the CEOs of Ford, Stellantis, and GM and tell them that you have workers’ backs. Demand the Big Three automakers meet workers’ demands now!

It’s important to remember that workers hired before 2009 had pensions. They had healthcare when they retired. And they reached their top wage within three years.

Workers hired today don’t get any of that.

The UAW is fighting to get rid of the tiered hiring system, in which workers doing the same jobs sometimes have different pay and benefits. Right now, the majority of Big Three workers are considered lower tier workers or temporary workers. By abusing the temp worker category, the companies get away with paying lower hourly wages, offering less healthcare, and giving no retirement benefits -- all while demanding the same amount of work from these employees.

The Big Three and the UAW have until September 14th to come to an agreement on a new contract. Let’s make sure the CEOs of Ford, Stellantis, and GM understand that the public supports the workers and their demands. Sign and send your message now.

When workers rise up to fight for their rights, we’ve got their backs.

Thank you for taking action today.

Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action